The Northern Premier League

News Archive

 
Search : 

07 Jan 2016 : John Carroll (1958–2016) - an appreciation

John after 93 semi-final win in FA Trophy
Dave Bettley, trust secretary of Runcorn Linnets FC, pays tribute (on behalf of the club) to John Carroll, who died peacefully in his sleep on January 5th aged 57. John managed predecessor outfit Runcorn AFC to two successive FA Trophy finals and made the sixth highest number of Conference appearances for the original Yellow and Greens.

JOHN Carroll didn't lift a trophy as manager of Runcorn AFC yet his achievements in reaching three major non-league finals as boss, two of these played at Wembley, amounted to victory in all but name.

Competing at the top level of semi-professional football against teams with much bigger crowds and resources was no easy task but if you also factor in the off-the-field hardships John's team faced in the early 1990s guiding them to the twin towers in consecutive years was little short of remarkable.

Getting to the second of these FA Trophy final appearances under John – or 'Cagsy' as John was affectionately known – in 1994 was achieved despite the Linnets being homeless due to their ground being closed after a pitchside wall collapse and a major fire which destroyed the main stand at Canal Street.

The club played the home leg of their semi-final on neutral territory at Chester City's Deva Stadium.

The '93 final had pitched the Linnets against the Conference champions Wycombe who, despite Steve Shaughnessy scoring for Runcorn and team-mate Ken McKenna having an effort disallowed when believing the ball had crossed the goal line, the Buckinghamshire side were ultimately too powerful in their non-league swansong, winning 4-1.

The following year's final, secured by McKenna's dramatic strike at Guiseley in the final minute of extra-time, was one which Linnets could easily have won had they got the rub of the green against Woking, who ran out 2-1 winners on a waterlogged surface.

John had built his Wembley teams around established non-league names like one-time Telford United striker McKenna, Karl Thomas (formerly with Witton Albion and Colne) and Gary Anderson, who had played against Runcorn in the '86 final for victors Altrincham. As manager, he helped to develop players such as Graham Hill, Jamie Bates, Paul Robertson, present Tranmere Rovers manager Gary Brabin and Ian Brady into key performers.

His teams bore all the qualities of endeavour and desire which John showed as a player himself, as a central defender initially for Heswall and South Liverpool in senior football. He then moved to Dorset, joining Weymouth, before family reasons prompted a return North for the 1987-88 season – signing for then Runcorn manager John King.

In the club's 15 seasons in the Alliance Premier League, Gola League and Conference, only five players bettered John's total number of appearances. The last of his 188 league games for the Linnets came in his two Wembley seasons but he limited himself to 14 league appearances in 1992-93 and just seven in 93-94.

Although not the most naturally gifted player, he was an imposing, uncompromising, enthusiastic and effective defender, who also chipped in with the occasional goal. A total of 14 in league matches for the Linnets.

He figured in the two Cheshire Senior Cup final successes, both against Macclesfeld Town, and was a kingpin of the team which tasted FA Cup glory in victory against Wrexham at The Racecourse Ground.

John took over as player-manager at Canal Street in 1991 and in his first season in charge steered Runcorn to the final of the Bob Lord Trophy – the Conference's league cup.

The Linnets turned in an admirable display although beaten 2-1 on aggregate by a Wycombe side for which promotion to the Football League was only a matter of time.

The Linnets' efforts were certainly not lost on opposing manager Martin O'Neill, the current Republic of Ireland boss, who after the midweek second leg at Adams Park delivered champagne to the dressing room in recognition of their performance.

But, despite their exploits in knockout competitions, Runcorn had begun to find competing at top non-league level over 42 games increasingly tough and John paid the price for an 8-0 home defeat by Stevenage Borough on November 25th 1995. He was relieved of his services by the club's board immediately after the game.

Ironically, it was a match John should not have attended. He had been unwell on the day but watched from the dressing room area, having been determined to make it to the ground.

But that was John Carroll - a man of honest character and true integrity, who just did not want to let people down; a devoted family man and a great friend to have; loyal to his players, club and its fans and someone who always gave 100% commitment and outstanding service to the Linnets cause.

His contribution had been acknowledged with a testimonial season.

On a personal level, John was very accommodating to me in my former role as sports editor of the Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News. Extremely generous in nature, neither he nor his wife Julie would ever complain at a midnight telephone call.

John went on to manage Gateshead and Halifax Town while also assisting his former senior player McKenna when he took charge at TNS. Despite a very unfortunate, and unjust, end to his association with the Linnets, the supporters now remembering and mourning him would like to think that Runcorn Football Club always retained a place in his affections.

Farewell, 'Cagsy' from everyone at Runcorn Linnets – you did us proud, left us with some great memories and will, for sure, always be in our hearts at The Millbank Linnets Stadium.

Recent Headlines

09 Aug : Switch to new club website from 10am tomorrow

08 Aug : Ex-Port Vale teenager Che Trapasso signs on at APEC Taxis Stadium

08 Aug : Kenny Brown arrives at Runcorn Linnets - via USA

07 Aug : Boss reflects on the ups and downs of final friendly

31 Jul : Be a part of our winning team

30 Jul : Long-serving Linnet Josh Roberts signs senior forms for second season

30 Jul : Pre-season trialist Levi Chiduku signs up with Linnets

30 Jul : Young Everton old boy Harry Hagan adds to strength in defence

30 Jul : Jacques Welsh is back with Linnets after 10 months away

27 Jul : Billy's takeaway from Crewe outing provides food for thought

23 Jul : Billy confirms two departures as pair returm for pleasing win at Flint

13 Jul : Linnets catch up with returning Chasetown in home start to new Pitching In NPL West season

12 Jul : 'A very good workout' - Billy's verdict after opening friendly at Litherland

07 Jul : APEC Taxis Stadium start to FA Cup and Trophy campaigns

30 Jun : FA competitions update

12 Jun : Seasoned campaigner Godwin Abadaki enlists with Billy's Army

09 Jun : Joe Lynch joins Bayleigh Passant in the Linnets comeback club

06 Jun : Defender Sam Barrett signs from Hanley Town

02 Jun : There's much more to come from ton-up midfielder Louis Hayes

28 May : Ex-skipper Peter Wylie is back in the Yellow & Green

26 May : Linnets land veteran former EFL defender Antony Kay

24 May : Winger Will Saxon joins Runcorn Linnets from Kidsgrove

24 May : Tom Moore heads out of Runcorn Linnets

23 May : Macauley Clifton bids farewell

23 May : Long-serving Ally Brown takes his leave from Linnets

21 May : Dapo's on the comeback trail with Linnets

Webb's of Runcorn
Cardiac Risk in the Young
Charter Standard Club
Respect FC - Uniting against the ugly side of football


Site Last Updated
19:38 9/8/2023

This site has had 6563268 Visitors


For comments, questions or corrections please Contact Us.
Payments can be made to the club through our Online Checkout facility via our payment page.
The site and its content are Copyright © 2001-2024 Runcorn Linnets FC. All rights reserved.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
This site uses Cookies. If you do not consent to this, then please switch them off in your browser, or leave now.